Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Tabor,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 20, 2023

I never knew you but it sounds like you were a top notch kind of guy. Someone I would have loved to know and hang out with. We will one day when I get up there. Rest in peace sir. You will never be forgotten

Jerry
Fellow citizen

February 25, 2022

Rest in peace Conservation Officer Tabor.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 20, 2021

Denver Tabor was known to me as “Uncke Den”. What the end of watch doesn’t tell you about him is that he and his partner were working on the Ohio River. His partner’s grandson was with them. Their boat hit something in the river and the boy was knocked overboard. Without a moment to think, my uncle went into the river to retrieve the boy. As his partner held out an oar, and my uncle, with boy in his grasp, reached for it, an eddy sucked him and the boy down under the water. My uncle could’ve saved himself, but he wouldn’t release the child and they both drowned. My daddy told me that when they were found the next day, my uncle still had the boy in his arms. My Uncle Den left behind the love of his life, Linda, and two young children. He left a hole in our family that still exists 47 years later.

Natalie McPherson
Niece

July 20, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 20, 2020

Uncle Den,
I think of you often and still miss the fun times I had with you. From letting me ride in your boat while you drove down the road, to letting me and Steve play on the banks of the creek while you and daddy planted the crops, you were always my most fun uncle. I'm sorry you didn't get to meet your grandchildren or watch your own children grow up, but I'm so very proud to call you my uncle. You are my hero.
Love,
Natalie

Natalie McPherson
Niece

July 20, 2018

Uncle Den,
It's been so long!! You were so VERY good to your nieces and nephews. We loved you with all our hearts! Some of my best memories were at Conservation Camp and you made that possible. I am able to share my love of nature and the importance of the environment to my students because of the impact you made on my life. Thank you for your service to God, Country (USMC), and your love for your family. You are in my heart always!

Melissa Keown
Neice

February 3, 2016

I know it has been a long time since you left, but I would like to say to your family that each time I see someone give their life trying to save others, I am humbled by their selfless act. This is what Jesus meant when he said: Joh. 15:13 " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". My grandma told me when I was very young, that as long as we remember our love ones they don't ever die. It's been a long time but I still keep her picture on my chest of draws and tell her often "I still remember"! God has him now just waiting to see each one of you.

Winford M. Porter
volunteer safety instructor

November 6, 2014

Officer Tabor,
Sir, even though it's been 40 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Kentucky. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 7, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 20, 2010

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Keep a watch over the rest of us as we protect our natural resources.

gordon hobbs
nc game warden

July 19, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 27, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE AND CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE ON THOSE STREETS OF GOLD!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

November 24, 2007

I remember when Denver used to come to our school and teach conservation education and how we all looked up to him. I was only 12 years old when you gave your life to save another and that is a sacrifice that those of us who knew you will never forget. May god keep you in his arms you will live in the hearts of those who knew you for ever.

Deputy Sheriff Greg Rushing
Crittenden County Sheriff's Department

August 28, 2007

Sorry I never got to meat you.
From what I hear, you were a great man.

Jacob tabor
grandson

February 20, 2007

You are not forgotten. Thank you.

Officer
Kentucky Department of Fish and WIldlife Resources

November 30, 2005

I can't stand to see your memorial site without a reflection. You are a true hero for your efforts in attempting to save a young boy from drowning.

An Indiana Conservation Officer

August 3, 2004